Blue Jays' George Springer Returns to Lineup for Yankees Series Opener After Injury-Related Day Off
The Toronto Blue Jays open a four-game series against AL East rival New York Yankees on Monday, riding a two-game win streak, and the club has an update on designated hitter George Springer heading into the matchup at Yankee Stadium.
The Blue Jays' lineup for Monday's game lists Springer in the leadoff spot, one game after the veteran sat out Sunday's series finale against the Detroit Tigers. The day off was part of an ongoing load management approach the club has taken with Springer, who typically gets Sundays off as the team monitors the health of his fractured left big toe.
Hello, New York #BlueJays50pic.twitter.com/W0aVZdL2yj
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 18, 2026
The injury has been a persistent problem in 2026. He fouled a ball of his foot against the Minnesota Twins on April 11 and was placed on the 10-day injured list the following day, missing 15 games before returning on April 29. Just a few days later, on May 2, he left a game after being hit by a pitch on the same toe.
Springer has not been his best since returning. The four-time All-Star is slashing .186/.272/.294 with two home runs, eight RBIs and a .566 OPS this season. It's a sharp contrast to his 2025 season, when he batted .309 with a .399 on-base percentage, 32 home runs and 84 RBIs across 140 games.
Even so, his return is still a boost for a Blue Jays team that has been battered by injuries. Having Springer stop the order gives manager John Schneider stability alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Monday marks the first meeting between the two AL East rivals this season. The Yankees welcome the Blue Jays with a 28-19 record, three games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto enters the Bronx looking to gain some ground in the division with a 21-25 record, nine and a half games back from Tampa Bay.
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 2:03 PM.